Autism Spectrum Navigators BC 50th Anniversary

Autism Spectrum Navigators, started in 2011 at Bellevue College, helps the college celebrate their 50th Anniversary in this one-minute video that describes the ASN program.


5th Annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament

http://q13fox.com/2016/04/09/video-games-tournament-spreads-autism-awareness-video/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2016

Video Game Tourney to spread message of Autism Acceptance

Community can learn about condition that affects hundreds of thousands in U.S.

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue College will hold the fifth-annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament during National Autism Awareness Month on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. to increase understanding about autism and raise community awareness of its innovative Autism Spectrum Navigators program.

Admission to the event is free and for just $10, players of all ages can enter and compete in a Nintendo Wii U Super Smash Bros. tournament, with prizes handed out to the top competitors. Past year’s prizes have included systems, games, and other exclusive items from the Microsoft Xbox Development Team, Fish, Suckerpunch Productions, and ArenaNet among others. All video game equipment will be provided.

Other attractions include:

  • Student panel from the Autism Spectrum Navigators Program with Q & A
  • Trevor Pacelli, alumni, author, & university graduate will speak about his experiences in college
  • Vendors, a quiet room, kids’ play room, board games, food for purchase, and more!

Bellevue College created the Autism Spectrum Navigators program in 2011 to help autistic students successfully gain access to campus programs and services. Students in the program utilize a network of support, including meetings each week with trained peer mentors and participation in cohort classes along with their chosen programs of study. Other colleges are taking notice: Central Washington University partnered with Bellevue College and started their own Autism Spectrum Navigators program last spring. BC is currently in talks with several other colleges and universities interested in bringing the ASN program to their campuses.

“Part of our mission is to educate the campus and community about autism spectrum disorders to dispel the myths that abound about autism. Autistic students deserve to be recognized for the diversity and strengths they bring to our community,” said ASN Program Director Sara Gardner, who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder herself.

WHAT:  Fifth-annual Autism Acceptance Video Game Tournament

WHEN:  Saturday, April 9; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE:  Student Union, C Building, Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA

WHO:  People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the tournament

COST:  Free admission to event; $10 fee to participate in the tournament

PARKING: Free weekend parking on the Bellevue College campus. Metro Transit route 271 stops on the Bellevue College campus.

QUESTIONS:  Visit http://www.facebook.com/ASNavigators or contact (425) 564-2764 or asn@bellevuecollege.edu

Media Contact:

Evan Epstein | Public Relations Manager

(425) 564-2486| evan.epstein@bellevuecollege.edu



BC, CWU partner to expand autism program (Bellevue Reporter)

Wendy Holden, Director of Student Disability Services at Central Washington University; Sara Gardner, Program Director of Bellevue College's Autism Spectrum Navigators program; and Steven Martel, Program Chair of Bellevue College's Counseling Center, kick off a day of training in Ellensburg. March 19, 2015 by JOSH STILTS,  Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer  This spring Bellevue College and Central ...more about BC, CWU partner to expand autism program (Bellevue Reporter)



KBCS 91.3 Interview

Sara Gardner was interviewed by Sonya Green on KBCS 91.3 as Washington Governor Jay Inslee declares April as Autism Acceptance Month. In this segment, Sara defines Autism, talks about the newly created Autism Acceptance Month as declared by Governor Jay Inslee, talks about the need for Autism awareness and acceptance in the community, points out ...more about KBCS 91.3 Interview


Transcript of KBCS Interview

(Sonya) April is Autism Awareness Month, and Today is World Autism Awareness Day. So we want to find out a little bit more about what it means to be Autistic, what Autism Spectrum means, and we have the great fortune of having Program Manager at Autism Spectrum Navigators at Bellevue College, Sara Gardner, joining us. ...more about Transcript of KBCS Interview


Computerworld article about ASN

Sara in a classroom with other students

Computerworld recently wrote an article about the ways in which Bellevue College’s two-year old Autism Spectrum Navigators program utilizes technology to benefit students. View the Computerworld Article.